Weapons Policy

Although Florida law recognizes that, under specific circumstances, an individual with a concealed weapon or firearm license may carry firearms in vehicles and into parking lots of college campuses, Stetson University, as a private institution of higher education, does not allow firearms on campus. Therefore, except as provided in Exceptions listed below, no person will be permitted to possess a concealed or unconcealed firearm, weapon, or other hazardous material:

• on the campuses of Stetson University;
• on premises owned or within the control of the University; or
• at functions sponsored by the University.

Items covered by this policy include, but are not limited, to:

• Guns and firearms of all types;
• Stun guns, air guns, and spear guns;
• Machetes, swords, and knives, except for pocket knives with blades less than four inches and knives normally used for cooking or dining;
• Billy clubs, stilettos, metallic knuckles, and martial arts weapons;
• Bows and arrows;
• Slingshots;
• Fireworks and incendiary devices, and explosives of any type; and
• Any other type of deadly weapon.

In addition, other than for use as props in official Stetson University activities, this policy also prohibits individuals from possessing replica or “toy” weapons on campus, and from possessing on campus component parts that can be readily assembled into a weapon. If a professor assigns a problem that will require students to use a replica or toy weapon in a class, the professor will notify the Director of Public Safety as far in advance as possible. If a student intends to bring a toy or replica weapon to campus for a class, program, or theatrical performance the student will notify the Director of Public Safety in advance.  Under no circumstances will a weapon be approved for use or display without authorization from the Director of Public Safety.  Questions about whether an item is covered by the policy should be directed to the Director of Public Safety.

Exceptions

This policy does not apply to:

• Self-defense chemical spray. An individual may carry a chemical spray sold commercially solely for purposes of lawful self-defense that is compact in size, designed to be carried on or about the person, and contains not more than two ounces of chemical;
• Security or other College personnel specifically authorized by the University Administration;
• Qualified Law enforcement officers, or qualified retired law enforcement officers with the proper credentials; or
• Students whose law enforcement employer requires them to carry a weapon at all times as a condition of employment; this expectation must be provided in writing to the Director of Public Safety.

A student who possesses an item or material in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline under applicable University codes and policies.

An employee who possesses an item or material in violation of this policy will be subject to dismissal or other appropriate sanctions to be determined by the University.

Any person whose possession of a prohibited item or material constitutes a violation of the criminal laws will be referred to the appropriate police or governmental authorities and may be prosecuted to the extent allowed by law.